Program Description

Graduate studies in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers individualized, strongly research-oriented courses of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The EECS graduate emphasis area is organized to allow students to pursue cutting edge research in modern fields of electrical engineering and computer science, emphasizing research and preparing students for leadership positions in industrial labs, government or academia.

The EECS graduate emphasis area is highly cross-disciplinary with connections to faculty from all three Schools at UC Merced. In particular, strong collaborations with the graduate programs in environmental engineering and cognitive sciences are possible.

Research projects with applications across the full spectrum of science and engineering are encouraged. Opportunities for collaborative projects with scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and with the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) are available, particularly with respect to the use of specialized computational equipment.

Prospective applicants must hold the equivalent of a B.S. degree as determined by the university.

The principal requirements for the Ph.D. are (1) coursework, (2) the qualifying exam, and (3) the dissertation. To apply for the graduate studies in EECS, applicants must follow the application procedure of the UC Merced Graduate Division.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science:

Are able to identify novel and significant open research questions in electrical engineering and computer science and are able to situate such questions in the contexts of current research literatures.

Are able to apply their knowledge of computing, mathematics, science, and engineering to the analysis of technological problems, as well as to the design and implementation of viable solutions to those problems.

Are able to design and conduct experiments and computational simulations for the purpose of evaluating and comparing proposed solutions on the basis of empirical evidence

Possess the characteristics of lifelong learners; they are able to acquire and use new techniques, skills, and engineering and scientific tools for research and development in electrical engineering and computer science, as well as to develop new methods and make new discoveries.

Practice a high standard of professional ethics, including integrity in the conducting and writing of research.

Communicate effectively through oral, visual, and written means, effectively addressing a broad range of technical audiences.